Hans Abma - 1935 ~ 2016
We are sad to announce the passing of Hans Kenneth Abma on May 3, 2016. He died peacefully, surrounded by family after battling many years with Parkinsonism. Husband to Catherine May Abma (Turley) and father to Murray Abma (Carol), Marilyn Loewen (Stan), and Jennifer Abma (Kyle), father-in-law to Debbie Abma. Proud grandfather to Rachel, Bekah, Andrew, Nate, Kyra, Kaylea, Abby and Liam. Our dad was a man who dedicated his life to serving others. He was born on December 23, 1935 in Hartwerd, Friesland (the Netherlands). He immigrated in 1952 at the age of 17 after growing up during the war where his father played an active role in the Resistance Movement. After completing his Bachelors in Theology at Toronto Bible College in 1964, he was ordained as a minister, and began pastoring two small churches in Corunna and Wilkesport, just outside of Sarnia, Ontario. In 1972 he packed up the family to take on full time leadership of Bethany Baptist Church in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where he served for 10 years. He then was involved in ministry at Forward Baptist Church in Cambridge, Ontario for another nine years. The call to BC came in 1992, and he started a Christian counseling service in Abbotsford, touching the lives of many along the way. He always believed in people’s abilities to change their lives for the better -- even those in prison -- and often refused payment for his services. One of his favourite activities in his later years was to visit Mill Lake and run into people with whom he’d worked or helped along the way. He also looked forward to his meetings with the Saturday morning men’s breakfast group. The men, including Paul Beatch, were a great source of strength to him in his final years. God provided many other amazing people who have supported mom and dad in their journey over the last few years. We want to thank all of the wonderful staff at Tabor Home for their kindness and support. Dad, your Lord and Saviour calls you home with open arms after a lifetime of service. May you find peace in His embrace! A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, MAY 24 AT 11:00 AM AT NORTHVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH. ONLINE CONDOLENCES MAY BE SHARED AT WWW.WIEBEANDJESKEFH.COM